Looking for a fun way to "explore the roar?" Day 1 - 27 May 2023
A favorite Niagara Falls State Park attraction for more than 150 years, the Maid of the Mist journey begins at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear and board the double-deck Maid of the Mist tour boat. From there, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls--the dramatic passage leading you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. The Maid of the Mist returns guests to shore with newfound appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.
This is open only during the months April till November. Usually this will open daily at 9 am and closes 5 pm or 8pm depends on the dates
Today Saturday 27th May – it opens from 9 am and close at 8 pm. For the accurate information, please visit their website. Ticket Rates for 2023 are $28 dollars for adult child 6-12 years $16.50. Tickets purchased online are valid any day we are open during the season, but reservations for a specific date or time are not accepted. All passengers, including those with online tickets, will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets purchased in person at our ticket office are only valid on the day they are purchased. Prices are in U.S. dollars and include the $1.25 per person cost of the elevator, which is necessary to reach our landing.
Ticket office closes 15 minutes before last scheduled departure.
Be prepared to get wet: the Maid of the Mist practically dunks you under the falls, but rain gear is provided, and many say that this is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of Niagara Falls. In fact, it's one of the region's best guided tours. Guests on the Maid of the Mist boat tour get close to the falls ensuring the mist will drench them. They hear and feel the sheer power of the falling water — something not to miss!
Tips for visiting the Maid of the Mist tour
How long should I plan for a Maid of the Mist tour? If you purchase tickets in advance, allow about one hour for this attraction from parking lot to finish. The ride itself is 20 minutes, and during peak times, you might wait for a while to get a boat. The extra time in this schedule allows for photos after the ride.
Where do I park for Maid of the Mist? If you are staying in downtown Niagara Falls, consider walking to this attraction. It’s an easy walk-through Niagara Falls State Park on paved walkways. Otherwise, parking costs $10/vehicle (2023). The address for Maid of the Mist tours is 1 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY. Click this link for driving directions and parking information.
What else should I bring on the Maid of the Mist tours?
Ponchos are provided for Maid of the Mist tours. You might want a waterproof bag for any items you bring with you and also a waterproof case for your cellphone/camera, especially if you want to take photos during the tour.
Do you get soaked on Maid of the Mist? The short answer is yes. The Maid of the Mist tour takes you to the base of Niagara Falls. The mist from the falling water mixing with the lower river ensures that everyone gets wet! The ponchos help keep clothes dry, but feet get wet — which is why I recommend waterproof shoes!
Is the Maid of the Mist rough? This is a great question — as the power of Niagara Falls makes it feel like the ride will be turbulent. However, the boats are wide-bottomed, and everyone stands for the ride. While the water is not rough, the flooring gets a bit slippery (flip flops and crocs are not suitable for the ride). Also, people jostle each other at times trying to position themselves for the best view.
What is the best time to ride Maid of the Mist? Niagara Falls vacations are most popular in July and August, so to avoid crowds, plan on going in “shoulder season” — late spring and early fall. Arrive early in summer to avoid long waits. Maid of the Mist opens at 9:00 a.m. during the summer travel season
Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower
Extending out dramatically over Niagara Gorge, the architectural wonder of the Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower affords unobstructed views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater below.
Elevators at the Observation Tower provide access to the base of the gorge and the boarding site for the Maid of the Mist boat tour. For a multi-sensory view of the American Falls, visitors can go to the base of the gorge and climb a series of stairs to the Crow's Nest, where the views come with complimentary air conditioning and blasts of misty Niagara spray.
Niagara Falls USA Observation Tower provides the only panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls, including the

American Falls. Observation Tower will open at 8:30 morning most of the days during the season
Today it is open from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm. The elevator and deck are open to all visitors ($1.25 fee). Boat ticket purchase is not required.